Love Case Vol. 1

Once past Bangkok's congested streets, the Toyota Celica climbed onto the expressway at moderate speed, heading straight toward Ramindra Road. After exiting the expressway, Atikom took the Watcharaphol Alley route for about seven more kilometers. Traffic became lighter as they were now heading out of the city. Both sides of the road alternated between shophouses and sparse grasslands.

Anupap wondered how much longer the journey would take. The last time he'd asked the driver, Atikom had only said, "Not far now, just a bit more."

This happened so often that he was too lazy to ask again, thinking he'd get the same answer anyway.

Anupap felt annoyed thinking about why Atikom's friend's garage had to be so far away. He was starting to doubt whether agreeing to repair his car at this garage was the right or wrong decision.

Maybe it wasn't such a good idea, considering the inconvenience of coming back to pick up the car.

Passing a wide grassland on the left, Atikom began slowing down. Soon he turned left into a small alley, driving straight for about two more kilometers. There were hardly any shophouses or businesses on either side of the road.

Anupap thought to himself that if Atikom really intended to kill him as he'd joked when they got in the car, he would surely disappear from this world without anyone knowing.

While thinking this, Anupap unconsciously turned to look at the driver.

Atikom said, "We're here," as if understanding that Anupap had turned to ask 'When will we arrive?'

He parked in front of a garage with a high steel-frame roof about two stories tall. 

"This garage is good. May friends and I, we always fix our cars here."

"They'd better be good." Anupap murmured. This garage was quite large—hard to believe there would be such a big repair shop outside the city.

Walking inside, Anupap saw the garage was unexpectedly spacious. Cars waiting for repairs were lined up—sedans, vans, SUVs, pickup trucks. Several workers were diligently doing their jobs.

Atikom gestured for Anupap to go to the customer lounge area near the parts storage, but Anupap headed straight to the office. When he opened the door, a receptionist invited him to sit and wait for the manager for a moment. She said, "Hia Chai will be right with you."

Before long, a man in his late thirties walked in and introduced himself. Hia Chai was about 170 centimeters tall with pale skin, elongated eyes typical of Thai-Chinese descent, a sharp prominent nose, and thin lips. He wore a gray-black striped t-shirt, faded jeans, a thick gold chain necklace so big it looked like a chain, and a gleaming gold wristwatch.

After greeting Hia Chai warmly, Atikom told the garage owner, "I brought my..." he paused briefly, "friend's car for repairs. I happened to use the back of his car as a temporary parking spot." Both men laughed knowingly. Anupap maintained his composed expression.

"I guarantee I'll fix it perfectly—don't worry. The mechanics here are excellent," Hia Chai said.

Anupap asked how long it would take. Hia Chai replied, "Not long at all. I'll get it done cute and crystal clear in no time."

Anupap was puzzled—what did "cute and crystal clear" even mean? He hoped it would come out looking as good as before it became a "temporary parking spot," as the charming policeman had put it.

"Can you do it in a week, Hia?" Anupap asked.

"Oh, not long, not long at all."

"Could you give me an estimate?" Anupap still wanted to know approximately when.

"Just a bit, don't worry. Won't be long to wait."

In the end, Anupap didn't get an answer about how many days or what date he'd get his car back. Even when he asked again, the answer remained the same: "just a bit"—just like when he'd asked Atikom when they'd arrive at the garage and got "just a bit more."

He was worried that multiple "just a bit"s would add up to quite some time.

Hopefully Hia Chai's "not long" wouldn't have multiple iterations that, when added together, would become as lengthy as Atikom's "just a bit."

After reaching an agreement and signing the documents, Anupap hurried out of the office and stopped at the garage's gate. He looked left and right, then stared straight ahead at the empty field where he could see a white commercial building in the distance. Atikom followed and stood beside him.

"Can't you just wait for me," he complained.

"I don't see any taxis passing by," Anupap remarked, frowning.

Atikom smiled, his eyes fixed on the other man's fair face, which was now flushed from the sweltering heat. Small beads of sweat clung to his sharp, prominent nose, making him want to reach out and wipe them away.

"No taxis come down alleys this deep," the policeman replied calmly, seemingly unbothered by the heat.

"Then how am I supposed to get back? Don't tell me I have to walk all the way to the main road," Anupap protested.

"Probably," Atikom suppressed his smile, putting on a weary expression.

"This is terrible. If I'd known, I would've hired a taxi to follow us and wait," Anupap sighed heavily.

Atikom chuckled softly and replied, "Just kidding. Your royal carriage will arrive shortly."

Anupap turned to glare at him, thinking this man really knew how to get on his nerves.

But whatever—the car was already at the garage. If he guessed correctly, Hia Chai's "not long" would be two or three "not longs" combined, which shouldn't exceed two weeks anyway. On the 30th at month's end, he'd come pick up the car and that would be the end of it. No more having to deal with this big guy with too much to say who was currently standing there with a foolish grin.

But Anupap had no idea that Hia Chai's "not long" hadn't yet been added to Atikom's multiple "just a bit more"s, and the story wouldn't end simply with the car being repaired.

The two of them still had much more entanglement ahead.

Atikom's 'royal carriage' was a small, weathered Toyota Vios from the garage, driven by a young mechanic. Atikom squeezed himself into the passenger seat, his tall frame contorting awkwardly—head brushing the roof, long legs folded high and pressed against the front console despite pushing the seat back as far as it would go. He looked like an adult trying to fit into a child's ride at an amusement park.

Anupap suppressed a small smile, finding it amusing.

The big man seemed to have eyes in the back of his head, turning to look at him while frowning as if to scold, 'What are you laughing at?'

Anupap feigned indifference, turning his face away to look out the window.

Throughout the journey, Anupap sat quietly in the back seat, listening to Atikom chatting casually with the driver of their 'royal carriage.'

It was already evening, the sky darkening ominously. Rain threatened to fall. The garage car dropped them off at the mouth of the alley. Every passing taxi was occupied—not a single one available.

Atikom stood close to Anupap, craning his neck to look down the road for a taxi. 

Anupap stood perfectly still, not moving a muscle, though inwardly he felt anxious about the impending rain.

What would he do? He didn't want to get soaked. The white shirt he was wearing was thin fabric with no undershirt beneath. If it got wet, the shirt would cling to his skin, and the young cop standing beside him with that mischievous grin was already staring at him far too much.

Atikom seemed unbothered. Was this just his personality? Anupap wondered if this man ever worried about anything.

Fifteen minutes passed with no sign of an available taxi.

"Are you hungry? I think we should find something to eat around here first."

"All I see around here is grass. What do you expect us to eat?" Anupap said sarcastically.

Atikom threw his head back and laughed loudly. "You're so sarcastic. Walk a little further and there'll be shops. Let's grab something to eat first, because by the time we get a taxi and reach home, it'll be late. You'll be starving in the car, and then you'll complain I don't take good care of you."

Anupap hesitated, agreeing with what the other man said. If rain started falling while they were walking to a restaurant up ahead, it would take even longer to find a taxi. During the rain, it would be nearly impossible since everyone would be calling for taxis.

Rain, traffic jams—it would be 'quite a while' before they reached home.

"Don't worry. When evening comes, there'll be taxis. It's six o'clock now, just after work hours. The taxis aren't free right now," Atikom said, as if reading Anupap's thoughts.

He didn't respond, stepping forward toward the commercial building visible in the distance. In his mind, he thought walking ahead was better than standing around feeling frustrated.

Atikom followed slowly, strolling leisurely as if unhurried, lifting his phone to make a call. Anupap turned to look, frowning, irritated that this tall man would choose this moment to wander around making phone calls so casually.

Atikom quickened his pace with long strides, catching up to the impatient man in just a few steps.

"Work call. Not chatting about nonsense," he said, then walked briskly ahead.

Can this man read minds or what? Anupap sighed.

The roadside was open fields, strong winds carrying swirling dust—a sign that the storm was about to hit soon. Anupap hurried his steps, seeing the 7-Eleven sign on the building ahead. Anupap overtook Atikom, heading straight for the noodle cart, then sat down to order food.

Atikom quickened his pace and caught up in a few steps.

"Where are you rushing to? Did you lose a cow or something?" he asked sarcastically.

Anupap didn't understand the metaphor. "What cow?"

Atikom didn't answer but laughed loudly, eyes crinkling. Anupap looked at him like he was seeing something bizarre.

"What's so funny? I'm hungry," Anupap said in a stern voice, starting to get annoyed.

"Well, if you're hungry, just order the noodles. No one's stopping you."

The hungry man turned to order noodles. "Auntie, I'll have small noodles in clear broth, one bowl."

Atikom thought to himself, "When he talks to the vendor, his voice is so pleasant, but with me, he speaks harshly, so cold."

"Oh, eating alone? Not ordering for me?" Atikom protested.

"What would you like?" he asked his dining companion out of politeness.

"I'll eat anything. I'm not picky."

Anupap smiled with subtle malice and ordered more. "Add one more bowl of large noodles, special—no vegetables, just noodles with a little pork, lots of broth." He turned to face Atikom with a cold smile, tilting his head challengingly.

Atikom smiled at the corner of his mouth, not arguing, sending an equally challenging look, as if to say, "If you dare order it, I dare eat it."

The vendor brought two bowls of noodles. Anupap didn't add any seasonings, slowly picking bean sprouts out of his noodle bowl. The other bowl was watery noodle soup with just a tiny bit of noodles and pork, the bowl filled with broth. Atikom stared at the 'noodles' like it was something strange, then looked up at the middle-aged, plump vendor woman who stood with a sour expression.

"If you're not full, you can order more, officer."

"Cruel," Atikom looked at the cruel person across from him reproachfully, but picked up noodles with his chopsticks, chewing slowly like a child, occasionally looking up at Anupap with a smile.

He finished the 'special' noodle bowl quickly and ordered two more bowls at once.

"Auntie, two more small noodle bowls, with lots and lots of vegetables and lots of porks and lots of of meat balls," he emphasized the end of the sentence, then turned back to look at Anupap again.

"Now I get to eat something delicious."

The troublemaker had barely finished half his bowl before setting down his spoon. Anupap looked toward the road ahead, pretending not to care about the young officer's sarcasm.

Just as Atikom finished his third bowl of noodles, heavy rain began pouring down. 

Both men walked into the convenience store. Anupap wandered around selecting snacks, with the sarcastic officer following closely behind. He stopped at the snack aisle, looking as if he was carefully reading labels for a long time.

Atikom leaned in close, saying, "Earlier you didn't finish your noodles either. No wonder you're saving room for nutrition-less snacks."

"It didn't taste good. Couldn't eat it." Anupap replied without turning to look.

"Was it not tasty because the noodles weren't good, or because you had to eat with me?"

Anupap made a "hmph" sound in his throat, then grabbed a bag of chocolate and walked to the cashier.

Atikom turned to grab a can of beer and followed to the cashier counter, placing the beer near Anupap's snacks waiting to be rung up. "Together, please."

Anupap turned sharply to look at the tall man who presumed to have him pay without asking permission.

"Police officers have small salaries." Atikom looked down at him, smiling slightly.

"Oh, small salary with Land Rover payments," Anupap said sarcastically, telling the cashier, "Pay together but separate bags."

Atikom laughed and told the cashier, "Don't need a bag, reduce waste, reduce global warming."

Anupap exhaled slowly, trying to control his emotions. He told himself to stay calm, otherwise this tall, nature-loving man standing beside him would continue enjoying provoking him.

He grabbed his snacks and walked out to stand in front of the store, arms crossed, watching the drizzling rain. Droplets of rain drifted against his face and chest, making his white shirt begin to dampen.

When will the rain stop? It'll probably be more than an hour before getting home. Anupap began to feel chilled.

While lost in thought, a large, strong hand extended a water bottle in front of him. Anupap turned to look. Atikom smiled slightly, speaking in a flat voice, "In case the snacks get stuck in your throat."

Look at that—no matter when, he always managed to find words to provoke me. Anupap frowned.

"Wouldn't it be better to wait inside?"

Anupap didn't answer, still standing and watching the drizzling rain, hoping it would stop soon.

...Then taxis will pass by... Then I can go home... Take a warm bath... Sleep comfortably...

Atikom stopped teasing, letting the younger man stand quietly. He lifted his beer and drank slowly.

After about half an hour, the rain began to ease, finally leaving only light droplets.

A green-yellow taxi with an "available" light slowed down. Atikom jogged to the roadside, waving it down, opened the door, gave the destination, then turned toward Anupap, nodding for him to get in the car.

Anupap ran to the car, feeling happy to finally be going home.

Atikom opened the back door for him. He stood there, not stepping in. He knew Atikom was opening the door for him to get in first, acting like he was taking care of him.

"Hurry up, it's raining. We'll all get soaked."Atikom urged.

"I don't like sitting on the inside."

Atikom immediately understood why the young man was being difficult. The young man in front of him was frowning sternly.

He's probably sulking because I'm treating him like a man treats a woman.

Light rain continued to fall. Anupap's thin white shirt was getting wet, clinging to his body and clearly revealing the skin underneath. Atikom smiled slightly, stepped into the car. Anupap followed and closed the door, sitting pressed against the left car door, arms crossed in silence.

He must be cold, Atikom thought, so he asked the driver to turn down the air conditioning.

As usual, Anupap sat quietly looking out the window, listening to the conversation between the young officer and the driver, thinking to himself, This man can always find something to chat about with anyone. 

Atikom and the driver changed topics continuously until the car entered the city area, along the Ramindra-Atchnarong expressway to Ekkamai, turning right onto Sukhumvit toward Sukhumvit Soi 49, where they both lived.

When they reached the middle of the alley, Anupap told the taxi to stop in front of the tall condo, The Pacific Heights.

Atikom said good night, asking Anupap, "You live here?"

Anupap nodded, preparing to get out.

"I thought you might have the wrong building. The alley is so dark."

"I never forget my own home. I'm not drunk," Anupap got out of the car, thanking Atikom politely. He saw the mischievous glint sparkling in Atikom's eyes.

Before closing the car door, he heard the voice of the caring police officer: "Take a warm bath, dry your hair properly, or you'll catch a cold."

Anupap stood watching the taxi until he was sure it was out of sight, then walked back along the next street for three more blocks.

The Veranda Residence, twin seven-story buildings with a small parking area in front, shaded by lush green trees, was his real residence. The condo where he'd had the taxi drop him off was just a decoy because he didn't want Atikom to know where he actually lived.

He greeted the security guard familiarly and walked in, thinking about the warm shower water and soft bed.

***